If successful, a push to modernise poultry limits in the City of Moreton Bay would allow an increased number of chickens on residential properties sized 600 to 1000 m³, with the proposed benefits all home- and health-related, including food-waste reduction, natural pest control, soil health and garden improvement and organic fertiliser production.
And as a proud member of the Moreton Bay community (for the past 28 years), Helen of Helen’s Happy Hens directs this sector to abide by the council rules and regulations and work in alignment with the council rangers responsible for enforcing them in the present.
Helen’s incredible passion for backyard chickens is reflected in her diligent campaigning to update the current regulations – in order to promote sustainable, healthy living practices and share the love of keeping hens.
“Once you get some, they are addictive due to how much joy they actually bring to everyone’s life,” Helen said.
Therapeutic Benefits, Educational Outreach, and Responsible Care
“Chickens are extremely calming, and they can give people a purpose – a sense of responsibility and love to which the chicken will give exactly the same thing back.”
Some of the factors associated with keeping chickens include improved mental health, stronger family routines, increased household resilience and enhanced community sustainability culture.
Helen said she loves to educate people and regularly holds talks at local schools, kindergartens, disability homes and similar places about the proper process and therapeutic nature of everything chicken-related.
“You ask young children where eggs come from, and a lot of them say the supermarket or even KFC,” she said, pointing to a disconnect from nature.
Helen said young people who cared for chickens “absolutely adored them”, finding it heartwarming to see children, including those in foster care, form close bonds with their animals – something she relates to as a mother of two girls.
She said responsible hen ownership also involved understanding essential care, including worming and lice treatments every three months, and researching a chicken’s background before purchasing it.
Helen’s Happy Hens travels as far as Warwick, Kingaroy and Nanango regularly in order to obtain chickens of healthy stock from well-known and reputable show breeders and suppliers.
For knowledgeable advice, happy and healthy hens, and everything you need to keep chickens, call 0404 265 628.
Visit Helen’s Happy Hens on Facebook and Betta Produce Burpengary, where you can get all your chicken supplies and needs.
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: The Pub Quiz Pod
- The Fox
- The Calm Before the Storms: What Jobs to Tackle Now
- Get Hands-On at Gaming and Hobby Expo
- Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon Unicolor
- Organic Gardening in November
- Thank Your Teacher With a Thoughtful Gift
- Coffee Culture Brewing on the Peninsula
- Convoy for Kids Rolls Into Redcliffe For A Cause
- Haven for Craft Brings Heartfelt Creations
- Lumber of Love for Redcliffe and District Woodcraft Society
- Enjoy this Trip: The Art of Music Posters
- “Lady” Robertson: An Unexpected Life
- Still Going Strong at 86
- Blue Day Event Brings Men’s Health Into Focus
- Community Effort Gets Nathan’s Bus Back on the Road
- Wildlife Spotlight: Redcliffe’s Most Cuddly Marsupials
- Redcliffe Volunteer Awards
- Recycling Week: Small Change Adds Up
